5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Handling a 1936 ‘Broken R’ Lincoln Cent

I’ve Seen These Mistakes Over and Over

After handling thousands of Lincoln cents in my career, I can’t tell you how many collectors have come to me with hopeful “rare finds” that turned out to be costly mistakes. The 1936 ‘Broken R’ Lincoln Cent is particularly tricky – here’s how to avoid the five most common (and expensive) errors I see collectors make.

Mistake #1: Jumping to DDO Conclusions Too Quickly

When collectors spot that broken ‘R’ in ‘TRUST’, they often jump straight to “jackpot!” But here’s the hard truth: most of these turn out to be ordinary damage rather than the prized Doubled Die Obverse (DDO).

Three Telltale Signs You’re Probably Wrong:

• Only the ‘R’ looks funky while the rest of the coin looks normal
• The damage doesn’t match the exact pattern shown in official FS-101 specs
• You can’t spot doubling in other areas like Lincoln’s beard or the wheat stalks

Smart Collector Move:

Before you get excited, compare your coin to verified examples from the Lincoln Cent Resource. Better yet, lay it side-by-side with a PCGS or NGC graded example at a coin show.

Mistake #2: Trusting YouTube ‘Experts’ Without Verification

We’ve all fallen down the YouTube rabbit hole of “RARE COIN FOUND IN POCKET CHANGE!” videos. Here’s why that’s dangerous: many creators prioritize clicks over accuracy.

Spot the Red Flags:

• The video only shows one blurry angle of the coin
• No mention of certification numbers or third-party verification
• Titles like “THIS PENNY IS WORTH $10,000!” (spoiler: it’s usually not)

Do This Instead:

Cross-check any exciting finds with:
1. PCGS CoinFacts (the gold standard)
2. NGC’s variety database
3. Reputable forums – but take user opinions with a grain of salt

Mistake #3: Overlooking Simple Damage vs. Mint Errors

Here’s a sobering fact: about 90% of the “broken R” cents I examine are just damaged coins, not valuable errors. The difference comes down to three key factors.

Mint Error vs. Damage Cheat Sheet:

Mistake #4: Improper Storage That Degrades Value

Even a genuine error coin can become worthless if stored wrong. I’ve seen $500 coins turn into $5 coins from these careless mistakes.

Storage Crimes Against Coins:

• Keeping them in paper rolls (hello, green gunk!)
• “Cleaning” them (the quickest way to destroy value)
• Using those cheap PVC flips (they’ll eat your coin over time)

How the Pros Preserve Value:

Spend a few extra bucks on:
• Acid-free cardboard holders (cheap insurance)
• Mylar flips (PVC-free is key)
• A stable environment (no attics or basements)

Mistake #5: Selling Too Quickly Without Proper Authentication

The adrenaline rush of finding a potential rarity makes people do dumb things – like selling before proper authentication. Don’t be that collector.

The Right Way to Verify Value:

1. Take crisp, well-lit photos from multiple angles
2. Pay for professional grading (PCGS/NGC only)
3. Get opinions from at least three reputable dealers
4. Check Heritage Auctions archives for recent sales

Key Takeaways

After 20+ years in numismatics, here’s what I want every collector to remember about the 1936 ‘Broken R’:
1. Excitement often clouds judgment – slow down
2. Grading fees are cheaper than selling a rare coin for peanuts
3. Proper storage is non-negotiable
4. Multiple experts > one “gut feeling”

Follow these guidelines, and you’ll avoid the heartbreak of realizing too late that your “treasure” is just another damaged coin. Better to be thorough now than regretful later when appraising your collection.

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